The Virginia Wrage Memorial Scholarship
This Scholarship is awarded to mature women, for vocational educational purposes, to achieve emotional, social, and economic independence following a life-altering event.
The Virginia Wrage Memorial Scholarship was created to honor Virginia Wrage, a dedicated and loved Zontian, who at the age of 50 faced a family crisis that resulted in a major career change for her. After she was diagnosed with cancer two years later, she helped plan a fund that would assist other mature women who faced challenges as she had. Since 1995, the fund has provided over $200,000 dollars in awards to local women 40 years of age or older in life transition. Today Virginia’s friends, family and colleagues continue to support this exceptional program.
About the Scholarship
The Virginia Wrage Memorial Scholarship is awarded to mature women, for vocational educational purposes, to achieve emotional, social, and economic independence following a life-altering event. Zonta Club of Santa Clarita Valley offers scholarships to cover all or part of an educational degree, or career and technical training from $1,000 to $4,000.
Who is Eligible?
To be eligible for a scholarship, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a woman age 40 years or older
- Be a resident of the greater Santa Clarita Valley
- Have experienced a life-altering event resulting in a need for educational, career and/or technical training to improve your life
- Previous applicants who were not selected may apply again
What are the requirements?
Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Completion of the official application
- Applicants must be residents of the greater Santa Clarita Valley including Castaic, Val Verde, Stevenson Ranch, Westridge, FivePointe Valenca, Agua Dulce
- Must be age 40 years or older at time of application submission
- Demonstrated initiative, ambition and commitment to obtaining schooling or training to improve your life with gainful employment.
- Provide proof of enrollment and transcripts (if currently enrolled)
Meet the 2025 Scholarship Awardees!
The Virginia Wrage Memorial Scholarship was awarded to four women over the age of 40, for vocational educational purposes, to achieve emotional, social, and economic independence following a life-altering event.
Rebecca Chinwuba
Lt to rt: Randy Wrage; Laurie Miller, Co-chair Virginia Wrage Scholarship Committee; Rebecca Chinwuba; Cherise Moore, President Zonta Club of SCV; Nicole Miller, Awards Committee
Rebecca’s dream is to become the director of a daycare center, similar to the one she started in her home country of Nigeria. Rebecca is currently enrolled in Early Childhood Education, Computer, and Counseling classes at College of the Canyons. She is also a member of the Adult re-entry Alliance and Civic Engagement Club on campus. She expects to earn her Associate of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education by 2027, and her certificate in Computer Applications and Technology by next year. Congratulations, Rebecca!
Lilly Hernandez
Lt to Rt: Randy Wrage; Laurie Miller; Lilly Hernandez, Cherise Moore, Nicole Miller
Lilly’s dream is to become a certified substance abuse counselor and earn both her substance abuse counselor certification and Bachelor’s degree in social work, enabling her to guide individuals on their journeys toward recovery and stability by providing support, advocacy, and resources for those affected by substance abuse. Lilly’s goal is to contribute to a world where everyone has access to the resources and guidance needed to overcome adversity. Lilly is currently enrolled at College of the Canyons, and will graduate this summer with her Associate of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education. Congratulations, Lilly!
Karen Teufert
Lt to Rt: Randy Wrage; Laurie Miller, Karen Teufert;
Cherise Moore; Nicole Miller
In her home country of Brazil, Karen was a board-certified physician specializing in the ears, nose and throat. After immigrating to the United States, Karen learned that she would have to complete the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination, a three-step exam required for medical licensure in the United States, and redo her residency before being able to practice medicine here. Once licensed, she also hopes to integrate homeopathy into her practice, because combining traditional medicine with holistic approaches would allow her to offer more comprehensive care to her patients.
But wait, there’s more. Karen is currently enrolled in the Pathway to Law program at College of the Canyons, pursuing her passion for law while also preparing for her medical exams. She is two classes away from completing her Pathway to Law certificate. After establishing her medical practice, Karen wants to attend law school and incorporate law into her profession. She believes that understanding the legal system will make her a powerful advocate for both her patients and her community, and enable her to advocate for patients’ rights, navigate healthcare policies, and bridge the gap between medicine and law. Karen’s ultimate goal is to provide for her family, serve her community, and advocate for meaningful changes in healthcare. Congratulations, Karen!
Colleen Kubes
Colleen is currently working toward her Associate of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education and Sociology at College of the Canyons. In January of this year, she obtained her California State Certified Peer Support Specialist certificate. After earning her AA degree, she will apply to UCLA for their Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills, known as PEERS, which provides the training and certification needed to work with children, youth, and their families.
Coleen’s goal is to work within the mental health community to provide the support patients and their families need to navigate the mental health system. Her dream is to encourage others that there is recovery, there is stabilization, and although there are pitfalls along the way, there is hope. Congratulations, Colleen!
Colleen was unable to attend the awards event, however her certificate and check were delivered to her personally by Laurie Miller.
We are so proud of your goals and accomplishments!
Want to help more women change their lives?
Virginia Wrage was a dedicated and loved Zontian, mother, and grandmother who, at the age of 50, faced a family crisis that resulted in a major career change for her. Virginia applied for, and after a rigorous nine-month course, fulfilled a childhood dream of becoming a flight attendant for American Airlines.
Two years later, Virginia was diagnosed with cancer. Before her death, she helped plan a fund that would assist other mature women through challenges such as those she faced.
Since its inception in 1995, the Virginia Wrage Memorial Fund has aided more than 50 women with scholarships ranging from $500 to $4000.
Many recipients are returning to school at mid-life to be able to support themselves and their children. Some are victims of domestic abuse. Some are single mothers. Some are struggling to complete G.E.D.s or college degrees. Some are on the verge of becoming homeless. All are facing a difficult life challenge.
Each year, the Virginia Wrage Memorial Fund provides scholarships to deserving women in the Santa Clarita Valley community. The members of Zonta Club of Santa Clarita Valley are honored to be able to assist these women in the name of Virginia Wrage.
What Recipients Have Said:
"My dream is to use my gifts and talents to encourage, stimulate and motivate a thinking society."
"Every woman needs support and you are a tremendous blessing to each of us."
"My dreams include philanthropy and to support those in need and to give back in appreciation for what I have been so fortunate to receive."
"Thank you for seeing in me an example of the woman that Ms. Wrage wished to support."
"It was a big inspiration that someone believed in me when I was having a hard time believing in myself."
"Definitely, receiving this money and reading your letter empower and motivate me to keep going. You let me know that it is worth the effort and that it is valued."
"It's overwhelming to be back in the workforce at 48, but it's more common than I ever realized. Thanks to this grant, I believe I'll do better than just survive."
"I'm a UCLA Graduate. I never anticipated going into hiding, food stamps and homelessness"
"It was darn hard, with six kids. But I want my kids to know that you have to go get what you want. It's not going to come to you."
"You are a wonderful support emotionally, and I hope to make you proud."
Oh my goodness!!! Thank you so much and a million times over! I can't wait to share the news with my family. I am filled with gratitude.
I can't thank the Zonta Club of Santa Clarita enough for this opportunity. The news made me cry, a good cry.
